(19)

(11)

EP 1 148 986 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 31.10.2001 Bulletin 2001/44 (21) Application number: 99903369.9 (22) Date of filing: 26.01.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B29C 47/02, B29D 30/70, B60C 9/18 (86) International application number: PCT/US9901/538 (87) International publication number: WO 0044/547 (03.08.2000 Gazette 2000/31)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB (71) Applicant: THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY Akron,Ohio 44316-0001 (US)	(72) Inventors: SMITH, Michael, Wallace Mogodore, OH 44260 (US) DZURKO, Michael, Raymond Massillon, OH 44646 (US) MARKS, Patrick, David Uniontown, OH 44685 (US) HEAD, William, James Ravenna, OH 44266 (US) (74) Representative: Leitz, Paul  Goodyear Technical Center,Patent Department,Avenue Gordon Smith 7750 Colmar-Berg 7750 Colmar-Berg (LU)